Bangladesh face familiar odds

Match facts

November 25, 2008
Start time 7.30pm (1400 GMT)

The Big Picture

Dropping points in the early stages of the ICL 20-20 Indian Championship had eventually proved costly for the Dhaka Warriors during their charge for a semis spot, something the Bangladesh XI - virtually the same side - will be wary of, with just a finals spot up for grabs this time round.

A middle order collapse hurt them during their chase against the World XI in the opening encounter, with Alok Kapali disappointing after a successful outing in the previous tournament. Starts from Shahriar Nafees and Nazimuddin proved little as World XI ran out comfortable winners by 12 runs. Captain Habibul Bashar will look to rally his troops as they look for their first piece of silverware in their debut ICL season.

The India XI will take plenty of confidence from a four-wicket win over Pakistan. They dropped four catches in the field - a fact which will definitely not go down well with their coach, Steve Rixon - but the coolness shown during the chase was commendable. Ambati Rayudu oozed confidence in a stellar half-century that saw India nearly to the finish line, the veteran Hemang Badani showed just how much he brings with his experience, and Ali Murtaza showed heart to bowl in the face of adversity. India succeeding in keeping Imran Nazir to a whimper, but against some devastating Bangladesh hitters, they cannot afford to slag in the field.

Players to watch

Kapali holds the unique distinction of being the first batsman to score a century in ICL history. He was fourth on the batting charts, scoring 324 runs from eight matches at 54.00.

Rayudu came along rather splendidly against Pakistan, thumping 65 from 47 balls. His hitting to the off side was particularly clinical, as was his electric running between wickets. Potentially, he is Bangladesh's biggest threat.

Quotes

"This game is all about how you handle the pressure. The side which can withstand it is likely to become the champion."
India XI captain R Satish reveals the mantra for success

"We need to bowl a better line and length in order to contain the opposition."
Habibul Bashar, the Bangladesh XI captain, highlights the problem with his side